NAMI-SCC’s Annual Picnic

Come enjoy…

• • A delicious BBQ menu 🌭
  • An exciting raffle with fun door prizes 🎟
  • Plus, access to all the amazing park amenities—including gardens, playgrounds, and the animal barn! 🐮🐓🐥
  • A special guest, Respira, an experience that will guide us through some healing, conscious-connected breathwork. (Be sure to bring your yoga mats and blankets to fully partake in this experience.) 🫁🌳

When: Saturday, June 6, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where: Emma Prusch Farm Regional Park,

647 S. King Road, San Jose, CA 95116

Volunteers are needed for this event

From setup squad to game & activity hosts, we would love your help!

Click on the button below and check out which role might be best suited for you.

Sign up to Volunteer

To know more about this event click here.

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Upcoming June 9 General Meeting

Proxy Parent Foundation: Special Needs Trusts & Personal Support Services

Proxy Parent Foundation is a nonprofit founded by NAMI California members, dedicated to assisting people with disabilities by safeguarding their access to public benefits programs through California Special Needs Trusts. They also provide personal support services for beneficiaries with mental health conditions including assistance with housing, medical care, budgeting, and relationships. Learn about their services and how they work with families and individuals living with a mental health condition.

Carol Larkin, MA, is the Director of Client Relations at Proxy Parent Foundation where she has spent the past four years supporting individuals and families through trust education, trust enrollment, and client-centered services. She brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a background spanning foster youth services, supportive housing, and community partnerships.

Carol also brings lived experience as a mother to a child on the autism spectrum, which deeply informs her commitment to accessibility and equity. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the College of Saint Benedict and an M.A. in Forensic Psychology from The George Washington University.

Executive Director Carmen Bowen, MBA, is a dedicated nonprofit executive and lifelong advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and underserved communities. She currently serves as Executive Director of Proxy Parent Foundation, where she oversees trust administration, fiduciary services, fundraising, and organizational operations—ensuring dignity, protection, and long-term stability for the individuals and families Proxy serves. With over 20 years of leadership experience spanning nonprofit, education, and community-based organizations. Carmen is known for her compassionate, mission-driven approach and ability to build strong partnerships that create meaningful impact. A respected community leader and v volunteer, she brings both heart and strategy to every space she serves.

To know more and register for upcoming meeting click here.

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Anxious Nation Follow-Up

By Jen Larson, Events Associate

Thank you for attending our Anxious Nation virtual screening event.

We are so grateful for your willingness to partner with NAMI to end the silence around youth mental health and anxiety. We hope you found this event educational, engaging, and inspiring. We tried to address as many questions as possible during the panel discussion, but if there were any questions we missed, you are welcome to email me and I will share them with the panelists to obtain written answers.

The full version of Anxious Nation is available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV for anyone who would like to watch or share it with others.

We truly appreciate your support, partnership, and advocacy for youth mental health. Events like this help families and young people feel less alone and encourage important conversations in our community.

Thank you again for your support of NAMI-SCC and our Ending the Silence (ETS) program.

Know more about our Ending the Silence (ETS) program here.

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NAMI California Annual Conference 2026

October 8-9, 2026, Anaheim, CA

Book your stay now: Deadline to reserve is Sept. 15 at 5 p.m.

Hotel Fera Anaheim (A Doubletree by Hilton), Orange, CA

Special Features at This Year’s Conference!

NAMI California heard your feedback—and they’re excited to bring you an even more engaging and dynamic conference experience this year! Along with returning favorites, they’ve added new features designed to connect, inspire, and celebrate our community.

Here’s a preview of what you can look forward to:

• • Two powerful film screenings
  • An interactive selfie station
  • An expanded Spanish-language track
  • A fun networking mixer (back by popular demand!)
  • More giveaways and name badge swag

You can register for one or both days of the conference using this link: namica.org/conference

NOTE: Early Bird Registration is active through August 15, 2026. Click Here.

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NAMIWalks Silicon Valley 2026

Join us for an inspiring day of community, hope, and mental health advocacy!

DATE: Saturday, October 3, 2026

LOCATION: History Park San Jose, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112

WALK MANAGER: Jennifer Larson, jlarson@namisantaclara.org

Together we’ll raise awareness, break stigma, and support NAMI’s life-changing programs right here in Santa Clara County. Whether you walk, donate, or cheer from the sidelines—you are part of the movement for mental health for all.

Learn more and register today. Visit www.namiwalks.org/siliconvalley to register.

To learn more, go to our webpage: https://namisantaclara.org/nami-walks-silicon-valley-2026/

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Fundraisers for FaithNet

By Patti Andrade, FaithNet Program Coordinator

Bethel Lutheran Church

NAMI-SCC extends our heartfelt thanks to Bethel Lutheran Church Cupertino for selecting us as their designated benevolence partner for the month of May. Their generosity and support help strengthen our mission to provide education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions throughout our community.

As one of NAMI’s certified Mental Health Friendly, Stigma-Free Congregations, Bethel Lutheran Church maintains an active mental health ministry dedicated to fostering compassion, support, and wellness within its faith community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and ongoing commitment to mental health awareness and wellness.

Quimby Oak Middle School Leadership Learning Student Team, Me.N.You SLP

NAMI-SCC extends our sincere thanks to the Quimby Oak Middle School Leadership Learning Student Team, Me.N.You SLP, for their generous donation during Mental Health Awareness Month. Through their inspiring cookie sale fundraiser, students raised awareness about mental health while supporting NAMI’s mission to provide education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.

Their message is an important reminder to all students: You are not alone. Reaching out to friends, trusted adults, or support systems can make a difference. We are grateful for these student leaders and their commitment to promoting kindness, connection, and mental health awareness in their school community.

Learn more about our FaithNet program here.

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2026 Advocacy Day in Sacramento

By Karen Chiu, Helpline Specialist

I had the privilege of attending the 2026 NAMI CA Advocacy Day Rally at the State Capitol on April 21. I would like to share my uplifting experience using the 5 Senses Grounding Technique. (This format is simple and adaptable to use for writing, journaling, or as a calming exercise. It’s designed to gently bring one’s attention to the present moment.)

5 Things I See

1. 1. 1. Groups of high-school students and NAMI affiliate members wearing “Where the Change Happens” T-shirts
      2. Groups of seniors and advocacy groups wearing their solidarity message T- shirts
      3. Group of healthcare professionals holding signage in opposition of an AB bill
      4. Grandeur of the CA State Capitol Building
      5. Tourists and me taking selfies; Special photo of me, NAMI Alameda County member, and Assemblywoman Maggie Krell who authored AB 2138

4 Things I Hear

1. 1. 1. Soft raindrops
      2. Travel times by some attendees: 2-hour local bus ride; 6-hour drive from the San Fernando Valley in LA County; 2-hour flight from Imperial County
      3. Emotionally moving personal stories by rally speakers
      4. Representatives from advocacy groups speaking on their positions at the Committee on Health State Assembly Bill hearings: social workers, reproductive rights, family rights, health insurance, etc.

3 Things I Smell

1. 1. 1. Fresh cool, wet air
      2. Fried food from the farmers’ market at the Capitol Mall
      3. Musty old furniture inside the “1906 Governor’s Office” at the State Capitol Museum

2 Things I Taste

1. 1. 1. Flaky croissant and chocolate breakfast muffin
      2. Strong hot coffee

1 Thing I Touch

1. 1. 1. Smooth, cold marble inside the State Capitol dome building

Vocalization (“Vocalization” can be an addition to the 5 senses format, and I wanted to relate my experience as a speaker at this event.)

• • Spoke with staff member of Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan about the AB bills NAMI CA is advocating for
  • Spoke in front of the 16-member State AB Health Committee on AB 2138 (Medi-Cal Enhanced Care Management: Peer Support Specialists)

Overall, 2026 NAMI CA Advocacy Day was sensational and healing especially when I got to exercise my constitutional right to freedom of speech. You too can exercise your speaking-up power every day. Just check out this “5 Calls website” or “5 Calls App” to learn and speak about issues you care about: https://5calls.org

Note: “5 Calls” is the easiest and most effective way for U.S. constituents to make a political impact.

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FaithNet Mental Health 101 Luncheon

By Patti Andrade, FaithNet Program Coordinator

Thank you to everyone who attended our Mental Health 101 luncheon. We were honored to welcome more than 28 attendees representing Christian, Jewish, Islam, Hindu, and other faith communities. This gathering brought together individuals from diverse religious traditions who share a collective commitment to fostering mental health awareness and creating supportive, stigma‑free environments within their own congregations and spiritual settings. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to engage with so many dedicated community members.

The FaithNet team appreciated the opportunity to provide education on reducing mental health stigma, supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges, and cultivating compassionate and inclusive spaces. The program also featured a personal narrative from a FaithNet team member, who shared their experience as a loved one of someone living with a mental health diagnosis.

Attendees participated in a thoughtful and engaging Q&A session, followed by a guided tour of the office. During the tour, guests explored our library, met staff members, and learned more about the services we provide. We extend our sincere appreciation to our Helpline Coordinator, Jeanette, and Robin, a Helpline Specialist, for offering insight into the essential role our Helpline volunteers play when individuals contact or visit the office seeking support and resources.

Many participants expressed that they left the luncheon feeling inspired to expand mental health education within their communities, incorporate mental health awareness into worship planning, and reach out to loved ones living with mental illness. Attendees also conveyed their gratitude for the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of how to support others, challenge stigma, and connect individuals with helpful resources through our Helpline.

We are profoundly thankful to all who joined us and contributed to the meaningful and impactful conversations that took place. We are also deeply grateful for the support of the entire NAMI‑SCC staff, whose dedication and collaboration helped make this event such a success. Your commitment to advancing mental wellness across diverse faith traditions strengthens our community and enhances our collective ability to support those in need.

Learn about NAMI-SCC FaithNet program here.

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Long-Time NAMI Leaders Retire

Greg Osborn took the training to teach the Provider Education Course in 2006. Not long afterwards, he took on the responsibility to coordinate the course.

Barbara Thompson participated in one of the Peer-to-Peer Recovery Education courses offered at our affiliate. In 2009, Barbara became one of the trained teachers to lead the course. She also became involved in our Peer Mentoring program as a mentor, as well as the In Our Own Voice (IOOV) presentation training to share her own story of recovery and wellness. In late 2016, Barbara took on the role of the Peer-to-Peer Coordinator.

We have so much gratitude for both of these wonderful NAMI leaders for all their years of dedication to our valuable programs!.

Thank You Barbara and Greg!

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NAMI Provider Program

Providing effective care for individuals living with mental illness requires more than clinical expertise—it requires understanding, compassion, and a commitment to collaboration. The NAMI Provider program is designed to help healthcare professionals develop these essential skills by combining the recovery model with traditional medical approaches to mental health treatment.

Developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the NAMI Provider program is a comprehensive staff development initiative that offers participants a unique opportunity to gain insight into the lived experiences of people facing mental health challenges, enabling providers to integrate this understanding into their care plans and daily interactions.

By fostering a deeper appreciation of recovery-oriented care, NAMI Provider helps healthcare professionals build stronger therapeutic relationships with patients and families. The program emphasizes collaboration among individuals receiving care, their family members, and healthcare staff, creating a more supportive and person-centered approach to treatment.

The NAMI Provider program is intended for a broad range of professionals working within healthcare settings. Participation is encouraged for physicians, nurses, behavioral health specialists, administrative assistants, operational staff, and students enrolled in medical or healthcare training programs. Because mental health touches nearly every aspect of healthcare delivery, the program benefits anyone who interacts with individuals affected by mental illness.

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of contact-based educational programs such as NAMI Provider. Studies indicate that exposure to individuals with lived experience of mental illness can significantly improve healthcare providers’ confidence, attitudes, and behaviors when caring for people with mental health conditions.

NAMI Provider offers flexible implementation options to accommodate the needs of healthcare organizations and educational institutions. The curriculum can be delivered as a 15-hour program spread across five sessions or as a condensed 4-hour seminar. Both formats are designed to provide participants with practical knowledge, real-world perspectives, and tools they can immediately apply in their professional roles.

As healthcare systems continue to recognize the importance of mental health in overall wellness, programs like NAMI Provider play a critical role in preparing professionals to meet the needs of patients and families. By promoting understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging collaborative care, NAMI Provider is helping build a healthcare workforce that is better equipped to support recovery and improve outcomes for individuals living with mental illness.

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Membership Form

To join online, go to www.namisantaclara.org/Become a Member

To make payment via check:

Please address the check to “NAMI Santa Clara County“ and send it by mail to:

1150 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 24
San Jose, CA 95128

NAMI-SCC welcomes your membership.

Memberships are valid for one year.

Your membership and donations are tax deductible.

Tax ID #94-2430956

Learn how to include NAMI-SCC in your estate plan by going to “Get Involved/Planned Giving” on our website.

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